If I switch broadband, will there be a break in access?

A question about : If I switch broadband, will there be a break in access?

We're very interested in switching to the BT deal advertised in the weekly newsletter. It would save us a packet. What is stopping us is the fear that there might be a period when we have no internet during the switchover. For all sorts of reasons, that would be a disaster for us.

Is this likely to happen? What can we do to minimise the chances of it? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Best answers:

• Usually a couple of hours at most for fibre ADSL usually is just switched .
  If it takes longer it is due to BT equipment nothing you can do .
• If a few hours downtime would really be a a 'disaster', then you are presumably running a business from home in which the line is mission-critical. If so, then a residential contract is not suitable for you, and you will be breaching the T&C's anyway.
• macman - what presumption!
  Last time we switched ( a few years ago) we were without internet access for a few weeks - not a few hours.
  I have physical and mental problems that mean that the internet is largely the only way I can connect with friends/family/the outside world.
• I switched from talktalk to plusnet a few weeks back. Had to phone customer services because I had my own router which needed resetting, but the downtime was the hour or so it took to sort it, that's all.
• If it's ADSL to ADSL or FTTC to FTTC and no LLU provider involved - eg TalkTalk or Sky in the main although some minor players also resell LLU - then there is no down time other than either swapping router or putting the new ISP connection login into the old one.
  Other swaps should only be an hour or so at most while the cabling is changed at the exchange or the cabinet.
  Where there can be a significant delay is if the correct ordering procedure wasn't followed and the original service was completely ceased and a new one has to be set up. Typically failure to use a MAC although that isn't always needed these days but it's always best to ask for one and see if the new provider wants it.
• On both mine and my parents switches it took as long as entering in the new login and password details and restarting the router, about 2 minutes.
• When I switched from TalkTalk to Plusnet my BB was down for a few hours, the phone was pretty instant though. When I called Plusnet they said that Openreach had not informed them that they had done the physical swap so had not activated the BB, he did it whilst we were talking. When I previously switched from BT phone with Orange BB the swap was instant.
• I just switched (10 days ago) from Tesco ADSL to Tesco Fibre and was down for 5 days. The connection has been unreliable ever since but have been advised to wait 10 days before lodging a complaint....Tesco can expect a call tomorrow.
  If internet is so critical then get a backup service provided through a mobile phone. You can tether your computer to the phone and continue as normal (but maybe without the youtube due to limits on data). Facebook and email are fine.
• I have a very obliging neighbour whose wifi signal is quite strong here and he has always said I can log in via his router if ever I have down time. I know it's not necessarily doable by everybody but I just mention it as another possibility.
• Thanks to all of you for sharing your experiences, and for suggesting ways round any break. It's much appreciated, and I feel much more reassured now. Looks like we'll be going for it!
• Sorry to hijack, but I am also thinking of changing - what is the normal "order"? Should I place an order for the new service before or after cancelling the old one?
  Thank you!
• I recently switched from standard Talktalk LLU to BT Fibre. I placed the order online via Topcashback which directed me onto the BT site where I just went through the ordering process. During that process I was told that I didn't need to contact Talktalk to cancel as BT would advise them.
  A couple of days later I got a letter from Talktalk to say they were aware of me leaving them and confirmed that I was out of contract with them.
  You don't say who you are with or going to so I can't advise further but hope this helps.
• Hi - thanks for that - I'm leaving PlusNet and looking at the current deals, will probably be going to Sky. Does that change anything? Sorry if I sound a bit dumb, I have never switched before - when I changed to PlusNet it was just because I moved house, so I cancelled Virgin and then took up PlusNet afterwards.
  Thank you in advance
  Michelle
• Great, thank you - so does that mean I should cancel before I arrange the new provider?
• Thank you so much - I've already checked the penalty and apparently I am out of contract on 9th March and need to give 14 days' notice.
  Have a good afternoon all!